Description

Asylum of Horrors (Mid 1940s-Mid 1950s). Frankenstein
Midnight Monster Stage Show Poster (39.5" X 59.5").
During the early years of the 20th century, Americans' fascination
with the supernatural and the desire to communicate with the dead
greatly influenced the entertainment industry and spawned the
careers of many magicians, mediums, mystics, and clairvoyants. It
also led to what was generally known as traveling "Midnight Spook
Shows" (or later, "Midnight Monster Shows") filled with all sorts
of chicanery that seemingly roused the spirits of the deceased. The
format for the shows evolved over the years, helmed by several
"Ghost Masters." But from the late 1930s onward, Toledo based Jack
Baker or "Dr. Silkini" was the King of the Midnight Spook Show. His
productions became known as Silkini's Asylum of Horrors , in
which he speeded up the original format, and aimed less for terror
and more for laughs. Baker took a more satirical approach, offering
an onstage hypnotism of real monsters --hunchbacks, vampires,
mummies, and Frankenstein's monster--resembling more of a carnival
act than a magic show. Baker also had a knack for promotion,
putting mini graveyards up in pubic spaces before a performance,
and releasing creepy trailers to be played in theaters well in
advance. The shows were so popular that occasionally movie stars
such as Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange turned up to take part in the
production. This special lot features a promotional poster boasting
a large photo of Strange as the Monster, against a ghoulishly green
background. The poster has been restored, with airbrushing and
touchup to chips in the forehead and chin, tears in the left
background, and creasing in the right background. This is a first
time offer from Heritage and we have never seen this special 40" X
60" before! Fine/Very Fine on Linen.